FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

1. What time do I need to arrive?
Although arrival times may vary, in general you will be asked to arrive an hour and a half prior to surgery.

2. Why do I need to arrive so early?
You will be asked to arrive early so that it allows adequate time for us to register you at the front desk and get you to the pre-op area in a timely manner. In pre-op we will complete necessary paperwork and get you ready for your surgery. This is also a time we can review your surgical procedure and answer any question you may have thought of.

3. How long can I stay with my child prior to surgery?
We will allow you to stay with your child in pre-op until the time they leave with the surgical team to have their surgery.

4. Can I go to surgery with my child?
We recognize that it is very difficult to see your child leave for surgery without you but, we can't allow you to accompany them to the surgical suite. We know you will understand that we need to focus all of our attention on your child and for safety reason need to have only the surgical team members present during your child's surgery.

5. When can I see my child after surgery?
We will make every effort to get you into the recovery area as soon as your child is settled. We recognize it is hard to wait to see your child but once again your child's comfort and safety are our primary concern. In general, once in the recovery area with your child you will be able to stay with them until the time they are discharged.

6. When do I need to stop eating?
In general, you will be asked to not eat or drink anything after midnight preceding your surgery, this includes water. This is a safety precaution and must be observed or your surgery may be cancelled. In some situations these instructions may be modified by the anesthesiologist.

7. If I am allowed to have clear liquids, what are those?
Clear liquids are just that, they are clear and include: apple juice, cranberry juice, water, 7-up, plain jello, popsicles, black coffee or tea with sugar-no cream , milk, or powdered additive. If you have any doubts, please call before you eat or drink anything.

8. Can I take my medications?
Generally, you will be asked to continue your heart, high blood pressure, and seizure medications BUT your specific medications should be reviewed prior to the day of surgery so that you are sure of what medications you can take. If you do take medications prior to surgery, do so with a sip of water. If you use any inhalers, please bring them with you the day of surgery.

9. What should I bring?
Bring eyeglasses and/or hearing aids if you rely on them. REmove contact lenses. Leave jewelry and valuables at home. Wear loose fitting clothing, and if possible cotton underwear. Bring your insurance card and if you have any Advanced Directive for healthcare, please bring a copy (ie. Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare, Living Will, etc.). You may wear dentures and it will be determined prior to surgery if they need to be removed.

10. When will the anesthesiologist call me?
In general, your anesthesiologist will attempt to call you the evening prior to your surgery. If you have specific concerns please relay those to the pre-op staff so that they can make every effort to have your concerns addressed.

11. How long will I be in recovery?
Although the times may vary, most patients stay in the recovery area one to one and a half hours.

12. When can my family see me after surgery?
Your nurse in the recovery room will determine when you are comfortable enough to get up into a chair and move to a step-down status. At this point your family is generally invited back to sit with you. Please keep in mind that the recovery area can become busy at times and family members may need to be limited.

13. Can I take public transportation home?
You must arrange for someone to drive you home. You need to have a responsible adult who can be present when we review your post-operative instructions from your doctor. We do this so that the person required to stay with you the first 24 hours understands your post-operative instructions and can review them with you when questions arise.

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